One of my objectives this year is to run a half marathon, or 13.1 miles, by May. This is going to be an interesting challenge. I walk whenever possible, but I haven’t run long distances for some time. I started to get interested in running after hearing about Couch to 5K programs, but I held off on actually doing the program. I’ve determined that I need to participate in a group environment, at least in the beginning, before I feel confident going out on my own.

The plan is to start now. There are multiple reasons why I’m beginning training this month:

-I need to find ways to healthfully (healthily?) reduce stress. In the past I would resort to overeating unhealthy junk foods as a cheap, mind-numbing way to “deal” with stressful situations. Moving towards a whole foods, plant-based diet has been key in helping me keep on track (I highly recommend Dr. Neal Barnard’s book Breaking the Food Seduction). Incorporating more physical activity in my daily routine is another important step in managing stress, and is my overarching goal for the year.

-There are a number of half marathon training programs starting in the next couple of months. Many of the programs are inexpensive, and some, like the one I signed up for, allow free access to their fitness center for the duration of the program.

-Personally, I’d rather train in the winter and be able to run long distances when the mild spring weather arrives. If I started in the spring then I’d have to deal with hot and muggy Indiana summers which would make me less inclined to continue. So far, the weather has been very mild. In the event it gets too cold or icy I can train indoors.

The training program requires participants to be able to walk or run a minimum of two miles at a 16-minute per mile pace on the first day of training, January 25. I spent the weekend mapping out 2 and 3-mile runs near my house and work. I’ve also created a tentative work out schedule:

Oh hai winter. You’re here.Seriously, after I noted how mild the weather’s been I wake up to gusting winds, snow, and temps in the mid-20s. My boyfriend, who initially agreed to accompany me on short walks and runs, bailed, so I walked from my house to a nearby park (two miles total) which took me slightly under 25 minutes to complete. I don’t have an exact time since I only had my cell phone on hand, and I had to wait to cross a busy street to and from my destination.

I determined that I definitely need a balaclava and I might need to get some shoe grips to run safely on icy surfaces. I also may need to reconsider my route since this particular one has no sidewalks, lots of potholes/uneven surfaces, and heavy traffic. Additionally, I need to find more places where I feel comfortable running. This is where having an exercise partner would come in handy, because glares, stares, and catcalls are frustrating and can be intimidating.

Weather permitting, my plan is to “try out” the other two routes to see if any adjustments should be made. Fortunately, it looks like the rest of the week will be snow-free and in the upper-30s and 40s.

My initial plan was to check out a tentative walk/run route near my office after work, but after a frustrating morning I decided to go during lunch break. I’m glad I did - not only did I defuse a stressful situation by going outside and getting some fresh air, I found this to be a nice, walkable/runnable route with wide sidewalks and streetlamps. This route is also near a yoga studio I attend regularly, so walking there after work will be convenient.

Food logMeal 1: banana (The plan was to make a smoothie using homemade sesame milk, but the seeds were rancid. I usually go for more substantial meals in the AM)Meal 2: no-bake energy bites. I used this recipe and subbed golden raisins for chocolate chips, and agave syrup for honeyMeal 3: whole wheat pita bread and red pepper hummusMeal 4: Butler soy curls, quinoa pasta, peas, and carrots in a cashew cream sauce. Pure comfort food.

Another crazy day at work. Afterwards, went for a brisk walk with my boyfriend to the library then the grocery store, about 4 miles. The yoga studio I go to was booked for a party this evening so I’ll try to get out there sometime this weekend.

I haven’t been as active as I would have liked. My dog has been having health issues. I’m worried, sad, and just not in a good mental space. I’ve taken lots of long walks, both with my dog, my boyfriend, and by myself. I get the results from his blood panel Monday, which also happens to be the first day of spring classes.

It was in the mid-50s and sunny - perfect weather to be outdoors. My boyfriend and I walked to a route we mapped out last week; a nearby nature park that features a 1.5 and 2.3 mile gravel loop. In all, we walked a little over 5 miles if not more since we stopped past the grocery on the way home.

Good news: I was worried my dog might have cancer but the blood panel came back negative. I’m taking the rest of the week off from my primary job to refocus.

Nice, I love that you listed the reasons you had for starting your self fitness challenge. I don't know if its the virgo in me or what but I seem to need reasons for everything. Seeing other people's reasons is actually really motivating for me.